Vision

Prioritize the engagement of young black and brown people in working toward equity in professional, academic, and social environments with an understanding of racial identities and the racial structures that have built many of these environments providing each participant with the tools to promote racial tolerance and promote more inclusive environments.

Mission

Develop fundamental practices for individuals to utilize in order to create healthy environments for Black and brown communities and educators. 

Why It Matters!

Our communities face unequal treatment in many environments that often result in stunted opportunities to grow professionally, socially, or academically. The START program engages with participants who are determined to become changemakers and leaders in their communities. The START program teaches our participants to engage in anti-racist activities, racial identity awareness, and culturally competent discussions in order to promote racially tolerant environments that will grow as we continue to work with our communities.

Goal

Provide mental health training to individuals with special focus in the following areas:

• Identity development

• Empowerment and self-sufficiency

• Emotional literacy

• Leadership in promoting community wellness

• Education – Business, economics, international development